Taʿziya

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Taʿziya (Arab.). An expression of condolence, but particularly the ‘passion plays’ of Shīʿa Muslims. The plays focus on the death of al-Ḥusain at Karbalāʾ, but they include figures from the earlier (biblical) history who bear witness that the sufferings of Ḥusain are greater than their own. The redemptive power of his martyrdom is effected through his intercession.